Very Rich by Polly Horvath
Published by Margaret Ferguson Books on September 25th 2018
ISBN: 0823440281
Pages: 304
Goodreads

In the vein of Roald Dahl, Very Rich transports readers into the magical story of ten year-old Rupert Brown. Rupert leads a dreary existence. His parents have so many children, they can’t remember all of their names. There isn’t enough food or clothes for everyone, and older children sleep on the floor. Rupert’s life changes forever when he encounters a wealthy classmate, Turgid Rivers, and his eccentric family. Rupert shares Christmas dinner with the Rivers family. After dinner the family plays party games, and Rupert wins piles of presents before he loses everything in the final game. Over the next few weeks, members of the Rivers family whisk Rupert away for a series of adventures involving time travel, magical meals that make people float and jewel heists. Hyperbole, humor and magical realism blend together to create an entertaining story for middle grade readers. Recommended for grades 4-6.

Reviewed by Cathy Potter, Falmouth Middle School, Falmouth, ME